Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the 2025 pontifical proclamation was read at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral during the Divine Liturgy by HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian. His Holiness Aram I proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Revival of Traditions. His Holiness explains that traditions are closely related to the life…
General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese army, was elected as the new President of the Republic of Lebanon by the Lebanese Parliament on January 9. On this occasion His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a congratulatory letter. In his letter, His Holiness welcomed the new president and emphasized that this election signifies a…
A meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphram II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, on Friday, January 10th, 2025, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. The primary focus of the meeting was the recent situation in Syria and how it is affecting the Christian communities.…
On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, a delegation from the Republic of Cyprus, consisting of members from various state ministries, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in Antelias. The purpose of the visit was to assess the situation of Christian minorities in the Middle East and the challenges they face, with the aim of presenting this…
In recent hours, His Holiness has reached out multiple times to the Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church in North America, HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian, to express his concern about the consequences of the wildfire in Los Angeles. The Prelate has relayed the necessary information to the Catholicos. Currently, strong winds…
On the evening of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, who visited to extend Christmas greetings. The meeting fostered a warm atmosphere for discussing important issues impacting Armenia, the upcoming presidential election in Lebanon and the changing situation in…
The Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ was celebrated on January 6, 2025, at Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, assisted by Archbishops Nareg Alemezian and Shahan Sarkissian, with hymns performed by the “Shnorhali” choir, led by V. Rev. Fr.…
A delegation from the Armenian Evangelical Community, led by Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Acting President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to present a special commemorative medal plaque in honor of the centennial of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near…
On Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to extend his congratulations on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas. During this visit, he also extended a congratulatory letter on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis. During the visit, they…
The inaugural Divine Liturgy of 2025 was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias on January 1, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and celebrated by V. Rev. Fr. Antranig Kurumian. Following the ceremony, a gathering took place at the atrium of the Catholicosate. V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aprahamian addressed remarks…
On the evening of Thursday, December 26th, 2024, a delegation from the Regional Committee of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, led by Member of Parliament Hagop Pakradouni, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to request his pontifical blessings and encouragement. In attendance were representatives from Hamazkayin and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central…
The Church Remains Committed to Its Sacred Mission Through Service His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos In continuation of a longstanding tradition, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extends his blessings for the New Year and Christmas through visits to institutions in Lebanon dedicated to social service within the Armenian community. “Birds’ Nest” Orphanage On…
A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between the Cilicia Library of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia and the Fundamental Scientific Library (FSL) of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. HE Arch. Shahan Kandaharian, the director of the Cilicia Library, and Maya Grigorian, the director of the FSL,…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with Lyndall Sachs, Chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy in Lebanon. During their meeting, they discussed issues related to the Middle East and Lebanon.
On Monday, December 23rd, 2024, Lebanese MP and presidential candidate Neemat Frem met with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to discuss recent developments in Lebanon, particularly the presidential election scheduled for January 9.
The Feast of St. Stephen the protodeacon and protomartyr is a time for the Armenian Church to honor the virtues of the saint and reaffirm its commitment to serving the Church and its people. Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Sunday Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of the…
On Monday evening, December 16th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I delivered a lecture to the Catholicosate’s Armenological students at the Khoren Ayp Center on “Man’s Self-Knowledge and Christian Anthropology.” His Holiness contrasted the religious and scientific views of human nature, highlighting two key points from the Bible that continue to stir debate among scientists.…
On the evening of Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, the Armenian Church University Students Association (ACUSA) committee, headed by their advisor, V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian, met with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The purpose of the meeting was to update His Holiness on their 2024-2025 agenda and to receive his pontifical blessing. Fr. Zaven expressed…
The Regional Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar), headed by the chair Dr. Avedis Dakessian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Friday, November 29th, 2024. Dr. Dakessian briefed His Holiness on the party’s recent endeavors and prospective plans. During the meeting, they also discussed matters pertaining to Lebanon, Armenia, and the Armenian…
On Saturday, November 30th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I engaged throughout the day in diligent monitoring of the distressing situation resulting from the attacks perpetrated by armed groups in Aleppo. Maintaining constant communication with the Prelate of Aleppo, HE Arch. Magar Ashkarian, and community leaders, His Holiness conveyed his profound appreciation for their steadfast…
Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, V. Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian—Chancellor of the Holy See of Cilicia—and V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian—Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary—received the ranks of Supreme Archimandrite during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. HE Arch Shahe…
With the blessing of and presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and in the presence of the clergy, V. Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian—chancellor of the Holy See of Cilicia—and V. Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian—Dean of the Armenian Theological Seminary—defended their theses for the ranks of Supreme Archimandrite (Dzayrakuyn Vartabed). Fr. Dajad’s thesis focused…
At the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a consultation session was held at the Catholicosate of Cilicia on Friday, November 22nd, 2024. The meeting convened the spiritual leaders of the Lebanese Armenian community alongside the chairpersons of Lebanese Armenian political parties. Representatives from the Central Executive Council of the Holy See of Cilicia…
On Monday, November 18th, the newly formed committee and the youth council of the Naregatsi Children’s Choir, headed by conductor V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Nadjaria, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessing. During the meeting, Fr. Zaven expressed profound gratitude and presented an overview of the Choir’s forthcoming activities, which include a…
On Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I paid a visit to His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, at the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Residence in Atchaneh. Accompanying Catholicos Aram I were HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian, HE Arch Torkom Donoyan, and V. Rev. Fr. Sarkis…
The newly appointed committee members of the Shnorhali Choir, headed by the conductor, V. Rev. Fr. Zaven Najarian, paid a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to present their forthcoming plans and to receive his pontifical and paternal blessing. Fr. Zaven conveyed his deep filial gratitude and introduced the committee members, subsequently providing an…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Bishop Guy-Paul Noujaim, the representative of Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai of the Maronite Church, accompanied by his assistant. HE Arch. Torkom Donoyan also attended the meeting alongside His Holiness. Bishop Njeim conveyed Cardinal Rai’s concerns and perspectives regarding the current situation. In response, His Holiness stressed the urgent…
On Friday, November 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Vahagn Atabekyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon, and General George Khoury, former Ambassador of Lebanon to the Vatican, respectively. Member of the Parliament and head of the Armenian Bloc Hagop Pakradouni also attended the meeting with General Khoury. The discussion with…
The Armenological Center commenced its 2024-2025 academic year at the Khoren Ayp Center in Fanar. The center currently has 39 students: 21 from Lebanon and 18 participating online from various countries, including Germany, Kuwait, Syria, Canada, the US, and Australia. The Director, Aharon Shekerdemian, stated that the center will be a home for Armenians seeking…
On November 6, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I sent a congratulatory letter to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump. In this correspondence, His Holiness expresses confidence that the election of Mr. Trump will lead to a promising new chapter in the history of the United States. In the letter, His Holiness conveys…
On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, a gathering of the Cilician brotherhood residing in Lebanon occurred at the atrium of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The Catholicos shared an overview of the significant aspects of his Pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church in the United…
On Thursday, October 17th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I held an online consultation with the leaders of the three Lebanese Armenian political parties and the coordinator of the Pan-Armenian Conferences of the Catholicosate of Cilicia to discuss the Israeli war against Lebanon. Although His Holiness is currently on a pontifical visit to the Armenian…
On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I convened with the Armenian Prelates: HE Arch. Anoushavan Tanielian from the Eastern Prelacy, HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian from the Western Prelacy and HE Arch. Papken Tcharian from the Canadian Prelacy in Boston. In the meeting, discussions addressed several topics, such as supporting Armenian schools in…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over a gathering of the Cilician Brotherhood on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, held in the hall of St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya. During the meeting, His Holiness expressed joy at the Brotherhood’s accomplishments in the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias and across the dioceses. He particularly commended their loyalty…
On September 21, 1991, the Republic of Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union, marking this date as an annual celebration of its second Independence Day. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, prayers of thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia were held, along with the blessing of…
His Holiness Aram I is departing for a pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the United States, which includes Armenian communities in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and other regions. It’s worth noting that last year, in 2023, the Catholicos visited different communities of the same diocese. Prior to his visit to the United States, His…
Under the patronage and blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a delegation from the Fresno Medical Mission Council has arrived in Lebanon, headed by Fresno’s Honorary Consul of Armenia and President of the Council, Berj Apkarian. On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, the delegation made a heartfelt visit to His Holiness at his summer residence…
On Friday, September 13th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by his pontifical delegation, paid a visit to the Armenian Catholic Patriarch His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI at the Catholic Patriarchate. The visit coincided with the transfer of the remains of Patriarch Cardinal Krikor Bedros XV Aghajanian from the Vatican. The meeting provided an…
The grape harvest and molasses preparation by the seminarians is one of the most cherished traditions at St. Mary Monastery. Every September, this activity is carried out by the Seminarians and priests, with the molasses later to be enjoyed at breakfast throughout the year. On September 11th, His Holiness Aram I visited the molasses preparation…
On September 3rd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, in his summer residence in Bikfaya. During their meeting, they discussed key topics including the ongoing war in Gaza, the Lebanese presidential election, Armenia-Canada relations and the contributions of the Armenian community in Canada, as well as the…
On Thursday, August 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese Ambassador to the Vatican, Dr. Farid el-Khazen. Ambassador el-Khazen provided an update on the Vatican’s efforts to address Lebanon’s challenges and shared the positive reception of His Holiness’s recent lecture at the Vatican. In turn, His Holiness Aram I shared his thoughts…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a commemorative volume celebrating the jubilee of the “Shnorhali” choir was published by the Catholicosate’s printing house in Antelias. The editorial team for this publication includs: V. Rev. Zaven Najarian, Sevan Tanielian-Meguerian, Shoghig Yepremian, Dr. Shaghig Hudaverdian, Khajag Boyadjian, and Garo Ohannessian.
On Tuesday evening, August 20th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI of the Armenian Catholic Church, who was accompanied by Bishop Robert (Krikor) Badichah, Auxiliary Bishop of the Patriarchal Eparchy of Beirut. In attendance with His Holiness were: H.E. Arch. Shahe Panossian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy in…
Following a week of fasting period leading up to the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Pilgrimage Day of the St. Mary Monastery, the feast of the Assumption was celebrated by a Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Liturgy at St. Gregory…
Every year, on the Pilgrimage Day of St. Mary the Monastery, the Cilician Brotherhood and volunteers prepared Madagh (sacrificial offering) overnight. The Madagh is blessed during the Holy Liturgy held on Saturday evening by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and it is distributed to the faithful at the end of the Liturgy. On this occasion,…
The week preceding the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is observed as Pilgrimage Week at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya. During this period, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Christian Education Department organizes a series of Bible studies and prayer services at the monastery chapel. From August 12th…
In recent days, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese Ambassador to Colombia—Ara Khatchadourian—and the Lebanese Consul to Qatar—Shant Vartanian. His Holiness commended their work in their respective roles, underlining that the Armenian Community in Lebanon not only constitutes one of the major sects in the country but also actively contributes to its welfare…
Newly elected prelates of the Holy See of Cilicia visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessings and guidance. The prelates included H.E. Arch. Gomidas Ohanian, Pontifical Vicar of Cyprus, H.E. Arch. Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy in the USA, H.E. Arch. Magar Ashkarian, prelate of Peria (Syria), and V. Rev.…
On Friday, July 19th, the opening of the International Armenological Congress, organized by the Mesrob Mashdots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts–“Matenadaran,” took place with the participation of H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian—Director of the Cilicia Library and the Ancient Manuscript Department at the Catholicosate—and V. Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian—the Chancellor of the Catholicosate, with the blessing of…
With a pontifical letter, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I appointed H.E. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian as Pontifical Vicar to the Armenian Prelacy in Cyprus. Over the past decades, Archbishop Gomidas has assumed monastic and diocesan positions in Syria, Greece, and Venezuela. Arch. Gomidas is a graduate of the University of Thessaloniki. Notably, His Holiness appointed V.…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian—Director of the Cilicia Library and the Ancient Manuscripts Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia—participated in the inaugural session of the Armenian spiritual manuscript centers, On Wednesday, July 17th, on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia. At the session, he extended the…
On Friday, July 12th, 2024, Serop Ohanian—Executive Director of the Howard Karagheusian Foundation—Raquelle Ketchejian and Janine Tanielian Markarian visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his pontifical blessings. During the meeting, they briefed His Holiness on the mission and challenges of the Foundation, as well as the community’s medical, social, and mental health challenges.…
The Armenological Center of the Educational-Armenological Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia held its 2023-2024 graduation ceremony in Bikfaya, attended by the Cilician Brotherhood, faculty members, students, and graduates. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the ceremony and distributed certificates to the graduates. Mr. Aharon Shekerdemian, Director of the Center, opened the ceremony with…
On Monday, July 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a congratulatory letter to the newly elected president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. He expressed warm congratulations on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia, its prelacies, and especially the Armenian Community in Iran. Catholicos Aram I highlighted the historical relations and good neighborliness between…
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Delegation (ARF) Bureau Hagop Der Khatchadourian. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss matters concerning Armenia, Armenia-Diaspora relations, and challenges faced by the Armenians in general.
On Friday, July 5th, 2024, a delegation representing the Regional Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar), headed by the chair Dr. Avedis Dakessian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. During the meeting, they discussed matters pertaining to Armenia-Diaspora relations and the current situation in Lebanon.
On July 1st, 2024, the Diocesan National Representatives Assembly of the Prelacy of Greece convened for an exceptional meeting with the sole agenda of electing a new prelate for the prelacy. After reading His Holiness’s message, the election took place and V. Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian was elected. The results were then communicated to His…
On Saturday, June 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Thompson, accompanied by the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) and the President of the Haigazian University, Rev. Dr Paul Haidostian. Rev. Dr. Thompson is…
The Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahakn Atapekyan met with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I following his visit to Armenia. During the meeting, they discussed various issues concerning Armenia, the Armenian Diaspora, and Lebanon.
On Sunday, June 30th, 2024, the 29th anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was celebrated with special prayers during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. Traditionally, this occasion is celebrated with thanksgiving prayers, hymn recitations, and Bible readings. The Cilician Brotherhood ascended the Holy…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I convened with the Cilician Brotherhood residing in Antelias to announce the division of roles within the brotherhood and discuss forthcoming summer projects. During his speech, he also highlighted the values of a priest in the Armenian Church and emphasized the importance of collective mentality. He acknowledged the numerous challenges they…
Adana Project, an Armenian Folk-Symphonic Metal band known for covering Armenian folk songs, is in Lebanon for a concert. On this occasion, they visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessings. The band members introduced themselves to the Catholicos, sharing the story of their formation, purpose, and mission. His Holiness commended their dedication…
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is visiting Lebanon for five days, meeting with both spiritual and political leaders. On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, Cardinal Parolin, upon the invitation of Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, convened with Christian and Muslim spiritual heads at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke. Patriarch Rai, Cardinal Parolin,…
On Monday, June 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Ishkhan Saghatelyan—Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Council of Armenia—accompanied by MP Hagop Pakradouni—Chair of ARF Lebanon and Head of the Armenian Parliamentary Bloc—and Alber Balabanian—ARF Lebanon Central Committee member. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the recent developments in Armenia…
Within the multifaceted mission of the Armenian Church, the Christian Education Department organizes weekly Bible studies on Tuesday mornings. The closing ceremony of this year’s sessions took place on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, in the presence of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, who delivered a heartfelt message encouraging participants to incorporate the lessons from the…
On Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Moujtaba Amani, accompanied by embassy political officials. They discussed the delayed Lebanese presidential election during the meeting and exchanged their opinions. Addressing the issue of Artsakh, His Holiness highlighted the right of return for Artsakh Armenians to their homeland…
A delegation from the “Independent for Lebanon” assembly visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The visit aimed to discuss Lebanon’s recent challenges and to learn about the outcome of His Holiness’ visit to the Vatican.
Presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, three seminarians—Minas Jansezian, Hovhannes Baydounian, and Kevork Yacoubian—were ordained as deacons during the Sunday Divine Liturgy on June 9, 2024. The ordination ceremony was conducted by H.E. Shahan Sarkissian, with V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian serving as the sponsoring priest. During the ceremony, the candidates ascended the…
On Saturday, June 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahakn Atapekyan. During the meeting, they discussed the recent developments in Armenia and the region.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Hampig Sarafian, chair of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchag Party, along with other members of the party’s Lebanese committee, on Friday, June 7th, 2024. During the meeting, their discussion focused on recent developments in Armenia and relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. In light of…
During the Sunday Divine Liturgy on June 2nd, 2024, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian conducted the ordination ceremony for nine seminarians, ordaining them as acolytes and subdeacons. V. Rev. Fr. Azad Filikian acted as the sponsoring priest for the ordination.…
On Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. During the one-hour meeting, His Holiness and Ambassador Johnson discussed several issues related to Lebanon, including the delayed Lebanese presidential election, strategies for overcoming the ongoing socio-economic crisis, and pathways…
A little while ago, we learned about the obstacle created by the police at the entrance to Sartarabad for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. We strongly condemn this deeply shameful incident, which undermines our nation’s moral and spiritual values. Where is Armenia heading, our beloved homeland, for whose independence and eternal existence our saints…
The Holy See of Cilicia is closely monitoring the developments in Armenia, with the catholicoi of the Armenian Church maintaining constant communication. In his message on the occasion of the First Independence of the Republic of Armenia, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I emphasized the utmost importance of preserving Armenia’s independence, territorial integrity, and security, as…
On Friday, May 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the representatives of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchag Party During the visit, they discussed issues related to Armenia and Lebanon. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the parties on matters affecting the Armenian communities.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a letter of condolences to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on the tragic event that resulted in the death of President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation, including the foreign minister and the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. On behalf of the Holy See of…
On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, following the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over a requiem service commemorating the 40th day of the passing of philanthropist Ani Bezikian. Her husband, Alecco, and her children, Aram and Zareh, had traveled from Italy and Switzerland to attend the service. Following the church ceremony, a memorial…
With the blessings and ordinance of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, four young priests, V. Rev. Frs.: Yezegiel Selloumian; Yesayi Eordekian; Yezras Tenekedjian; and Yeghia Malkhasian, defended their thesis for the four ranks of Vartabed (Doctor in dogma of the Church) on May 11th, 2024. After successful defenses before the Catholicos and in the presence…
On Friday, May 10th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church met at the Coptic Patriarchate in Cairo. This gathering, part of a fellowship established in 1996…
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received MP Ardzvig Minasyan, deputy of the Armenian National Assembly from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation party (ARF) and secretary for the “Armenia” faction. Accompanying MP Minasyan were the Lebanese Armenia MP and ARF Lebanon chair Hagop Pakradouni, and ARF Lebanon Central Committee member Alber Balabanian.…
On Tuesday evening, May 7th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia established contact with His Holiness Karekin II of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, expressing full solidarity with the statement published on the same day by the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, regarding…
On Tuesday, May 6th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the representatives from the three Lebanese Armenian Political Parties: Vanig Dakessian (the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party), Hagop Pakradouni (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation), and Dr. Avedis Dakessian (The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party). During the meeting, His Holiness welcomed the collaboration among the parties and stressed…
Following its 51st Assembly, the Diocesan National Representative Assembly of the Western Prelacy in the USA extended an official letter to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, requesting his ratification of the election of HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian as their prelate. His Holiness ratified the election and offered his blessings in a pontifical letter. Arch. Kegham…
On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, the Regional Committee of Homenetmen in Lebanon visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. They presented their upcoming projects and activities, focusing on the annual celebration of Armenia’s first independence through a festival, and sought His Holiness’ blessings for the event. In response, the Catholicos bestowed his blessings upon them and…
On April 30th, 2024, both His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II of the Holy See of St. Echmiadzin and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. During a recent phone conversation, the Catholicoi addressed pressing concerns facing Armenia…
On Friday, April 26th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian and the Greek Ambassadors, respectively. His Holiness engaged in discussions with the Armenian Ambassador, Mr. Vahagn Atapekyan, regarding the situation in Armenia and the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The visit of the Greek Ambassador, Despina Koukoulopoulou, aimed to express the…
The Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and extended a letter from Pope Francis. During the meeting, they discussed topics related to Lebanon.
This year, as we remember the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we face even greater challenges. Azerbaijan, aided by Turkey, committed another genocide in the historical Armenian land of Artsakh and continues to threaten Armenia’s sovereignty. Despite these atrocities, Armenians remain steadfast in their faith for redemption and unwavering in their pursuit of justice. The…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Armenian Genocide commemoration event organized by the three Armenian political parties in Lebanon: The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and the Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar) at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. The gathering followed a torchlight procession from the Armenian neighborhood in Bourdj…
On Sunday, April 21st, 2024, during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, in his Pontifical message to the faithful, spoke of the suffering Armenian population of Artsakh and their struggle. He assured them of the commitment of the Armenian church to seek solutions and affirm…
On Saturday evening, April 20th, 2024, a meeting convened at the office of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to address concerns regarding Artsakh. Attendees included Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, Founder and Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Vartan Osganian, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Armenia, and Mario Nalbandian, Vice-President of the Socialist…
On April 19th, 2024, First Prosecutor Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo arrived in Lebanon upon the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The same evening, the First Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, gave a public lecture at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. He addressed representatives of the Armenian community educational, social, and political…
On Friday, April 19th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Louis Moreno Ocampo, Founder and Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (from 2003 to 2012). During their meeting, they discussed issues related to recent Azerbaijan-Artsakh-Armenia relations, the Artsakh 2020 war, the Artsakh blockade, and the forced displacement of indigenous Armenians of Artsakh.…
– Friday morning, April 19th: Book launch event for “Armenian Genocide and Armenian Orphans,” a commemorative volume honoring the 100th anniversary of the Birds’ Nest orphanage, at the above-mentioned orphanage, in Byblos. – Friday evening, April 19th: Lecture by Luis Moreno Ocampo, founding Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, discussing the Genocide Convention’s deficiency…
Berdj Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. They discussed challenges facing Armenia and Armenia-Diaspora relations. Dr. Martine Najem Kteily, Vice President of the Free Patriotic Movement. They engaged in discussions about issues concerning Lebanon. Hranoush Hagopian, former minister of Armenia Diaspora. His Holiness commended Hagopian’s significant contributions to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation and…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has bestowed upon philanthropist Yercho Samuelian the Knight of Cilicia insignia, at the request of the Prelate of Lebanon, Archbishop Shahe Panossian. This honor is a token of appreciation for Samuelian’s longstanding dedication to the Armenian Community and Church. In a pontifical encyclical issued on this occasion, His Holiness praises…
On the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Armenian Catholic Patriarch, His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI, and his delegation visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Friday, April 5th, 2024. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss topics pertaining to Lebanon, Armenia, and Armenians around the globe.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over and conducted the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, March 31st, 2024, to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. During his homily, His Holiness referenced John 16:33, emphasizing Christ’s victory over…
Presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on the eve of Easter, Saturday, March 30th, the Easter Vigil service (Jrakaluyts) took place during the Divine Liturgy, conducted by the Cathedral’s grand sacristan, HE Arch. Gomidas Ohanian. At the conclusion of the service, the grand sacristan lit a candle from the altar and presented it…
